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John Tavares' tenure in Toronto could be coming to an end due to a legal dispute


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Gabriel Sami
September 9, 2024  (3:39 PM)
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Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares
Photo credit: The Score

A legal case could decide John Tavares' future with the Maple Leafs. A favorable ruling may keep him, but an unfavorable outcome could prompt an early exit.

John Tavares has found himself in the midst of a significant legal dispute involving the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) over a $15.25 million signing bonus from the Toronto Maple Leafs, potentially impacting his future with the team.

John Tavares' tax dispute with the CRA continues

The former Toronto Maple Leafs captain, now replaced by Auston Matthews, has been entangled in a legal battle with the CRA regarding his 2018 signing bonus. The central issue is whether Tavares should have been taxed under American or Canadian tax rules. According to Tavares' defense, he was still an American citizen when he signed the $77 million deal with the Leafs, thereby subjecting the signing bonus to U.S. tax regulations rather than the higher Canadian rate, which hovers around 46%.

Could Tavares' tax dispute affect his future in Toronto?


Per Editor in Leaf, the likelihood of Tavares being found guilty in the case is high. This legal battle may influence his future contract decisions, possibly pushing him to move to the United States, specifically to a low-tax state like Tennessee or Florida. Should the final ruling favor the CRA, Tavares may opt not to re-sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs, opening the door for an American team to swoop in.
Via Editor in Leaf:

If the next ruling comes down against him, which it most certainly will, Tavares could be discouraged to re-sign in Toronto. He may opt to sign with an American team, preferably one in Florida, where the tax rate is much lower [...]

If and when the hammer comes down on Tavares, Canadian NHL teams' lawyers will need to work over time in order to ensure that future contracts eliminate the possibility of issues such as the one Tavares currently faces.

The implications of this ruling could extend beyond Tavares himself, impacting the contract structures for Canadian NHL teams. Legal teams across the league may be forced to navigate these tax waters carefully, ensuring future contracts do not face similar complications.

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